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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Treating childhood obesity in primary care
Ellen R Wald1, Stacey C L Moyer, Jens Eickhoff
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA. erwald@pediatrics.wisc.edu
Clinical Pediatrics
|June 8, 2011
Summary
A primary care intervention for childhood obesity helped children lose weight. This family-based program improved body mass index z scores, showing effectiveness in a real-world setting.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective interventions.
- Primary care settings offer a crucial opportunity for early identification and management of pediatric obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a family-based behavioral weight management intervention for obese children (9-12 years) delivered in primary care.
- To assess the intervention's impact on weight loss and body mass index (BMI) z scores.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 78 children and families in a primary care setting.
- An 11-session program included calorie goals, self-monitoring, physical activity, and behavior change skills.
- A comparison group of 23 children served as quasi-controls.
Main Results:
- Children completing the program (n=55) achieved a mean weight loss of 2.4 lbs at 15 weeks, versus a mean gain of 3.45 lbs in controls.
- Significant reduction in BMI z score from baseline to 24 months (mean change -0.17 ± 0.32, P < .001).
- 71% of participants completed the intervention.
Conclusions:
- A family-based behavioral weight management program delivered in primary care is effective for treating childhood obesity.
- Primary care is a suitable setting for implementing pediatric obesity interventions.
- The intervention demonstrated sustained positive effects on BMI z scores over 24 months.
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